Movie TheatersAnd our history of attending them

Ever since the beginning of movies, there have been movie theaters. One of the most common pasttimes for the people of the world, seeing movies is an convenient and easy escape from the daily grind. However, the opportunity to escape real life and enjoy a motion picture is only made available by the locations in which they are projected: the theaters.

Granite City Cinema, AMC Esquire 7, Wehrenberg St. Clair 10 Cinema

The movie theater experience has been accessible for countless numbers of people who have attended such locations over the years. However, the experiences have changed as the theaters themselves have changed and evolved throughout time. Seeing a movie today is far different than it was 100 years ago.

Moolah Theatre & Lounge

Before movies, there were plays. After the invention of the motion picture, plays became second rate as everyone became infactuated with the new technology. As a result, many theaters that were previously used for plays and productions were transitioned for films. The first movie theater (originally called "picture house") was built in 1896 in New Orleans. Various short films were available for viewing before the first full-length motion picture, "The Squaw Man", was produced in 1914.

Hi-Pointe Theater

The popularity of feature films soon increased and the price went up with it. When a person could once "catch a flick" for 5 cents, the cost to see a movie was raised to a whopping 10 cents. The explosion of profits continued further with the development of sound in films in the 1930s.

St. Andrews Cinema, Chase Park Plaza Cinema

Hollywood's influence on the country increased as more genres began to unfold. Horror, action, and comedy made going to the movies more of a casual affair. However, business suffered in the 40's due to World War II. It was not till after this decade that movie going industry cemented its status as a prime source of American entertainment.

Skyview Drive-In

Drive-in movie theaters were established in the early 1930s but did peak until the 1950s-1970s. The opportunity to view a film in the comfort and privacy of a car provided audiences a unique viewing experience. However, drive-ins have faded in popularity in recent years as most of the industry's innovation has been applied to standard indoor cinemas.

AMC Streets of St. Charles 8, Tívoli Theater, B&B Wildwood 10 Theater

Most of the profits of movie theaters come from the sale of food and drink. Popcorn and sodas have always been staples of the movie theater business. However, the refreshments have expanded to include items such as pizzas, nachos, and "icees". The overpriced products have become an almost essential aspect of the movie going experience.

Galaxy 14 Cinema

Mega screens and dine-in theaters represent the newest wave in the movie theater business. As a result, the revenue of the movie theater business is at an all time high. Seeing movies is an activity that does not seem to be fading any time soon. As we as audiences continue to attend, the theaters will continue to evolve to our needs. The industry is not finished and neither is the history.